"When someone with the authority of a teacher, say, describes the world
and you are not in it, there is a moment of disequilibrium, as if you looked into a mirror and saw nothing."
Adrienne Rich

These are intended to be suggestions only. Cultural competence requires that we use our best judgment in any given situation, knowing that there is no cookbook with the perfect recipe on how to address a particular situation. Sometimes this may require consulting with our colleagues to find the best solution. What is important is that we continue to wrestle with these issues until we find ways to respect and honor differences.

1. All celebrations that occur should be a part of classroom learning. It is great to educate students about different traditions. However, be mindful not to celebrate vs. educate. We do not want to unintentionally single out those students who do not celebrate a particular event. Celebrating without educating can also impinge upon another student’s belief or values, for example, Jehovah’s Witnesses can participate in learning about holidays, but not in many of the holiday celebrations.

2. When needed, (e.g., food is involved and it is during a time when students are fasting) and if there is a large enough group of students, find an alternative room those students can go to and engage in a meaningful activity. Be careful not to make those students feel marginalized or devalued.

3. Send a letter to parents/families members and tell them what will be going on in your classroom/school for a particular holiday.

4. Valuing diversity does not mean creating a school climate absent of diverse traditions, however, it does mean finding a way to make all students feel welcome and valued. For example, try not to just highlight the holidays in December. Hanukah is far less important to our Jewish students and families compared to Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur but it most often acknowledged because it falls around the same time as Christmas. Find ways to create opportunities for both you and your students to learn about the many rich cultures and traditions of your diverse students and families throughout the year.

5. Having students wear costumes to school can detract from learning and can create bad feelings for students for different reasons. For example, some students may not be able to afford purchasing a costume; they may have forgotten their costume at home; or may not celebrate that particular holiday, leaving a feeling that something is wrong with them.

6. Whenever possible and appropriate bring in family members of students and people from the community to teach about how certain holidays or traditions are celebrated.

7. Have students share how their family celebrates certain traditions. Be creative in finding ways to do this so students are not put on the spot.

8. There are now many children’s books available for students to read and learn about various holidays and traditions. Ask your school librarian or local library about a list of age appropriate recommended reading materials.

9. Encourage conversation from your students around what they are learning about a particular tradition from another culture. It is great to engage them in conversation that helps them to talk about differences in a way that sees those differences as positive.

10. Be mindful about other holidays and traditions that occur throughout the year. Try to learn about them as well and teach your students about those days so that you do your best to create equity.